Emperor Naruhito with Empress Masako
Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrive in Britain on Saturday, beginning a three-day state visit hosted by King Charles III.
After arriving on a plane from Japan, the royal couple will attend private events on Sunday and Monday before the formal programme kicks out on Tuesday.
The highlight will be a state luncheon at Buckingham Palace, with all eyes on the heir to the throne, Prince William’s wife Catherine, who has been absent in recent months owing to cancer treatment.
Naruhito, 64, will also visit Windsor Castle, west of London, to lay a wreath at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II, whose state funeral he and the empress, 60, attended in September 2022.
With Britain in the midst of a general election campaign, it was unclear whether there would be a meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Visiting heads of state have often met with the prime minister and opposition leader, or addressed members in the parliament.
However, there are no MPs because parliament was dissolved prior to the July 4 vote.
The trip will be the emperor’s second official state visit since assuming the throne in 2019, following a visit to Indonesia last year.
Charles, 75, will host his third state visit since ascending to the throne following his mother’s death.
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